Paul Bradford Hooper

Paul Bradford Hooper, age 63, of Winter Garden Florida passed away on February 20th, 2016 after a struggle with cancer. A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 p.m, Friday, February 26 at Baldwin-Fairchild, 428 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787. Pastor Tom Hensley will be officiating. Reception will follow after the service. Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity Orlando. Those wishing to share a story about Paul may do so here. Paul was born in Greenville, PA to father, James Edwin Hooper, and Mother Marion Elizabeth Surato. The Hooper family moved to Orlando Florida in the early 60s. Paul began his career as a firefighter in 1970 at the age of 18 in Division of Forestry in California. He returned to Florida in 1972 where he met and fell in love with his wife of 35 years, Judi Marie King, who sadly passed away in 2009. They shared a wonderful life together and raised two children; Rachel born in 1976 and Ryan born in 1983. Paul joined the Union Park Fire Control district in 1973 as a firefighter and during his 20 year career in the fire department was promoted through the ranks until he ultimately became Chief of the Minnetonka Fire Department, serving that community until 1989. Paul returned his family to Orlando, and began a career in Security at Universal Studios where he held several positions, ultimately becoming an Investment Recovery Manager. Under Paul’s management he returned over 4 million dollars to Universal Studios by recovering material assets. Over the years Paul was an active member of his communities, President of Metro Chief Fire Officers Association, Member of Rotary International, and a regular volunteer at Habitat for Humanity. He was quick to help out anyone who was in need. He often raised funds for local charity organizations. Of his countless friends and work mates he was known for his gregarious nature, wicked sense of humor, and impeccable work ethic. He was a good neighbor, a great friend, a loving father and grandfather, and an upstanding and respected member of his community. Paul is survived by his two children, Rachel & Ryan, who he couldn’t have been more proud of, his dearly loved grandchildren Desmond and Sarai, a solid crew of close friends who became family over the years, and his girlfriend Sharon Chiecuto whom he had met only last year but with whom he shared a deep love and their relationship brought him much joy in his final days.